U.S. patent application number 10/495289 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for foodstuff.
Invention is credited to Giffard, Catriona Julie, Kendall, Peter.
Application Number | 20050079244 10/495289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26246759 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050079244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giffard, Catriona Julie ; et
al. |
April 14, 2005 |
Foodstuff
Abstract
The present invention relates to a foodstuff which comprises
colostrum, a probiotic and a prebiotic. The triple combination of
colostrum, a probiotic and a prebiotic is particularly beneficial
for the gastrointestinal tract and health of animals.
Inventors: |
Giffard, Catriona Julie;
(Masterfoods, AU) ; Kendall, Peter; (Masterfoods,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP
1301 MCKINNEY
SUITE 5100
HOUSTON
TX
77010-3095
US
|
Family ID: |
26246759 |
Appl. No.: |
10/495289 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 8, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB02/05053 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 20/158 20160501;
A23C 9/206 20130101; A23L 33/135 20160801; A23L 7/122 20160801;
A23K 20/163 20160501; A23L 33/185 20160801; A61P 1/00 20180101;
A23K 50/40 20160501; A23K 20/10 20160501; A23K 20/195 20160501;
A23L 29/065 20160801; A23K 10/18 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/042 |
International
Class: |
A23C 009/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2001 |
GB |
0127152.7 |
Nov 16, 2001 |
GB |
0127528.8 |
Claims
1. A foodstuff which comprises colostrum, a probiotic and a
prebiotic.
2. The foodstuff, of claim 1, further comprising sugar.
3. The foodstuff, of claim 1, further comprising a cocoa butter
substitute.
4. The foodstuff, of claims 1, further comprising a yogurt
component.
5. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the colostrum is bovine,
ovine or caprine.
6. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the colostrum is a fraction
containing colostrum derived growth factors and immune
components.
7. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the probiotic is one or more
of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium,
Fusobacterium, Melissococcus, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus,
Enterococcus, Eubacterium, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus,
Peptostrepococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Micrococcus, Leuconostoc,
Weisella, Aerococcus or Oenococcus.
8. The foodstuff, of claim 7, wherein the probiotic is one or more
of Bifidobacterium species or Bacillus subtilis.
9. The foodstuff, of claim 8, wherein the probiotic comprises one
or more Lactobacillus acidophilus.
10. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the prebiotic is one or more
of glucose, fructose, xylose, galactose, lactose, mannose,
arabinose, D-fucose, L-fucose, rhamnose, Actilight, Biotose,
Palatinose, IMO, cellobiose, gentibiose, laevan, maltodextrin,
maltose, melibiose, lactose, panorich, melezitose, raftiline,
raftilose, stachyose, sucrose, tagatose, xylan,
fructooligosaccharide, inulin, soy oligosaccharide,
galactooligosaccharide, lactosucrose, maltooligosaccharide,
xylooligosaccharide, fractionated inulin or raffinose.
11. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the foodstuff is in the form
of a dried or semi-moist ready-to-eat kibble.
12. The foodstuff, of claim 11, wherein the kibble contains a
coating of colostrum.
13. The foodstuff, of claim 11 wherein the probiotic is present on
the outside of the kibble.
14. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the foodstuff comprises: a
dried or moist ready-to-eat kibble comprising colostrum; and a
dried or moist ready-to-eat kibble comprising a probiotic.
15. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the foodstuff comprises: a
dried or moist ready-to-eat kibble comprising a prebiotic; and
colostrum and/or probiotic in a liquid or semi-liquid format.
16. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the foodstuff is in the form
of a fat-based dairy matrix.
17. The foodstuff, of claim 1, wherein the foodstuff is in the form
of a powder mix.
18. Canceled
19. A method of maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal
health of an animal, the method comprising administering to the
animal a foodstuff, as claimed in claims 1.
20. The method, of claim 19, wherein the animal is a puppy or a
kitten.
21. A method of manufacturing a foodstuff for maintaining or
improving the gastrointestinal health of an animal comprising
admixing the foodstuff with colostrum, a probiotic and a
prebiotic
22. A process for producing a foodstuff, as claimed in claim 1, the
process comprising mixing the raw materials, optionally shaping
into pieces, optionally heating and presenting as a foodstuff.
23. The foodstuff of claim 9, wherein the Lactobacillus is
accession number NCIMB 41117.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the U.S. National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/GBO2/05053 filed Nov. 8, 2002, which claims
priority to Great Britain Application Nos. 0127152.7 filed Nov. 12,
2001 and 0127528.8 filed Nov. 16, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to-a foodstuff, useful in the
development of a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The early development of a healthy gastrointestinal tract is
key for maturation of baby animals into healthy, well protected
adults. Puppies and other baby animals are born with relatively
weak immune responses which means they are at greater risk of
infection. They obtain natural "passive" immunity from the mother
which protects them by means of antibodies that are passively
transferred prior to birth in utero. The maternal antibody IgG
travels across the placenta and provides immunity in the
circulatory system of the baby to the same microbes to which their
mother is immune. After birth, maternal milk provides bioactive
substances and antibodies, such as IgA, that protect the digestive
tract of the baby. This local passive immunity provides protection
for the baby without entering the internal body cavity.
[0004] At weaning, the transition from milk-borne liquid nutrition
of the mother to a solid diet is a vulnerable time for the baby.
Not only does the gut have to process a solid food format but the
baby is no longer able to obtain milk-borne protection from the
mother. The gastrointestinal tract and immune system are still
immature at weaning which means that the baby is at greater risk of
infections (bacteria, viruses) that cause diarrhea. In addition to
the health risk diarrhea reduces the growth rate of the baby and if
unchecked can ultimately lead to mortality.
[0005] In addition, there are high rates of diarrhea in puppies
through the breeding and commercial sales process. Diarrhea appears
to be a common problem with pet shop owners (10-30% of puppies) and
breeders (10-50% of business breeders), possibly reducing their
ability to display and ultimately sell their puppy. Diarrhea is a
common reason for a visit to the vet.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a nutritional
foodstuff to help puppies, kittens and other newborn animals
survive and thrive through the weaning process in particular to
reduce the incidence, duration or severity of diarrhea and to
provide local passive immunity to help protect the puppy/kitten and
other newborn animal as it is exposed to a series of stressful
situations (leaving mother, new environment, rapid change in diet)
from birth onwards. Preferably, such a nutritional foodstuff is a
natural foodstuff. In addition to providing such a foodstuff, it is
necessary that it is presented in a palatable form in order to
encourage consumption by puppies, kittens and other baby
animals.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides, according to a
first aspect, a foodstuff which comprises colostrums, a probiotic
and a prebiotic.
[0008] A probiotic is a microorganism which beneficially affects an
animal host by improving its intestinal microbial balance. A
prebiotic is a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially
affects the animal host by selectively promoting the growth and/or
activity of one or more health promoting bacteria in the gut, thus
improving host health.
[0009] Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from a mother's
mammary glands during the first 24-72 hours after birth. It is rich
in nutrients, growth factors, immune factors and active ingredients
that provide passive immunity for the young. Colostrum components
include; IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgM, IGF-1, IGF-11, TGF, EGF,
lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, growth hormone and
insulin.
[0010] In bovine populations, bovine colostrum is the milk produced
by cows for the first 1 to 4 days after the birth of the calf. It
is rich in nutrients, growth factors and active ingredients that
provide passive immunity for the young. The calf is able to absorb
these bioactive compounds into its bloodstream for the first 24
hours of life. This is the only route for the transmission of
maternal protection to the calf. The maternal antibodies,
antibacterial factors and/or oligosaccharides in colostrum provide
a defense against pathogenic microorganisms and viruses that can
cause infection in calves. Without colostrum a significant increase
in mortality rate of newborn calves occurs.
[0011] These factors in bovine colostrum can also help protect
puppies, kittens and other young animals while the immune system is
developing. Antibodies can bind to pathogens in the digestive tract
preventing the organism from attaching to the epithelial wall of
the digestive tract stopping their entry into the internal
circulatory system. Thus harmful organisms are stopped before they
take hold, reproduce and cause damage. In addition, the nutrients
and growth factors can help ensure proper gut development,
nutritional uptake and growth.
[0012] At weaning, the energy requirement of puppies, kittens and
other animals is twice that of an adult of the same breed on a body
weight basis. A healthy and protective gastrointestinal tract will
ensure that the young animal is able to obtain maximum energy and
nutrition from its food that will ensure optimal growth and
development. Provision of the best nutrition during development
will promote positive long term health in later life. In addition,
the foodstuff of the invention provides similar health benefits to
older animals.
[0013] The form or type of the foodstuff is not limiting. The form
or type may depend on the animal for which the foodstuff is
intended. In this respect, the foodstuff is applicable to all
mammalian animals, in particular companion animals such. as a pet
dog (Canis familiaris) or a pet cat (Felis silvestrus catus). The
foodstuff of the present invention is also applicable to humans, in
particular young humans or those in need of improving the health of
their gastrointestinal tract.
[0014] The triple combination of a probiotic, prebiotic and
colostrum is particularly beneficial for the entire
gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum mainly benefits the stomach and
the small intestine. The probiotic and the prebiotic mainly provide
a benefit to the distal end of the large intestine. The combination
provides a unique benefit for the-entire gastrointestinal
tract.
[0015] The foodstuff may be packaged. In this way, the consumer is
able to identify, from the packaging, the ingredients in the food
product and confirm that it is suitable for the particular animal
in question.
[0016] In particular for a foodstuff for a pet dog or a pet cat,
the packaging may be metal (usually in the form of a tin or
flexifoil), but preferably plastic, paper or card. For a pet
foodstuff, the product may be a dry, semi-moist or a moist (wet)
product. Wet food includes food which is sold in tins and has a
moisture content from about 70-90%. Dry food includes food having a
similar composition, but with from about 5-15% moisture and
presented as small biscuit-like kibbles. Semi-moist food includes
food with a moisture content of between around 15% to 70%
moisture.
[0017] The amount of moisture in any product may influence the type
of packaging which can be used or is required. The foodstuff
according to the present invention encompasses any product which
the respective animal consumes in its diet. For a pet animal, the
invention covers standard food products as well as pet food snacks
(for example a snack bar, pet chew, crunchy treat, cereal bar,
snack, biscuit and sweet product) the food product may be a cooked
product. It may be in the form of a gelatinized starch matrix. It
may be in the form of chunks in gravy, jelly, loaf or water. It may
incorporate meat or animal derived material (such as beef, chicken,
turkey, lamb, pork, fish, blood plasma, bone marrow etc or one or
more thereof) the product alternatively may be meat free
(optionally including a meat substitute such as soya, maize gluten
or a soya product) in order to provide a protein source. The
product may contain additional protein sources such as soya protein
concentrate, milk proteins, gluten etc.
[0018] The product may also contain a starch source such as one or
more grains (e.g. wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley etc) or may be
starch free. A typical dry or semi-moist dog or cat food may
contain about 20-30% crude protein and about 10-20% fat, the
remainder being carbohydrate, including dietary fiber and ash. A
typical wet, moist or semi-moist product may contain (on a dry
matter basis) about 40% fat, 50% protein and the remainder being
fiber and ash.
[0019] For a probiotic to be useful in a prepared foodstuff, it
must be able to survive manufacturing processes in the preparation
of the foodstuff. A commonly used process in the manufacture of a
pet food, is the application of heat. The probiotic microorganism
must therefore be able to survive any heating process, used or must
be suitable for application after any heating process has been
applied.
[0020] The foodstuff of the present invention may include
additional further ingredients. For example, the foodstuff may also
comprise sugar. The sugar may be of any type or form, preferably
having a fine grade, such as icing sugar. The benefit of a fine
grade sugar is threefold. Firstly, it is a suitable carrier for the
ingredients. In addition, it provides a suitable and pleasant
texture and further, it reduces the water activity in the
foodstuff. Reduction of water activity is a benefit in ensuring
that the active components of probiotic and colostrum are protected
over the shelf life of the product. Accordingly, it is a benefit
that the foodstuff of the present invention is formed into a low
water activity matrix. The water activity is preferably an aW of
0.6-0.1, more preferably 0.4-0.15.
[0021] A further ingredient of the foodstuff may be sorbitol. The
sugar and/or sorbitol content of the foodstuff may be provided in
any amount, preferably from 5-50%, more preferably from 35-45%
(weight by weight per cent on a.dry matter basis).
[0022] The foodstuff may also include cocoa butter or a cocoa
butter substitute (or equivalent, replacer or improver). For
animals: which find cocoa butter palatable, then this is preferably
for inclusion in the foodstuff. Such animals include humans.
However, animals such as pet cats and dogs, do not have a
preference for cocoa butter, due to the theobromine component.
Accordingly, foodstuffs which are prepared for pet animals will
preferably include a cocoa butter substitute. Cocoa butter
substitutes are based on lauric fats, i.e. fats which contain a
high percentage of lauric acid in their fatty acid composition.
Such cocoa butter substitutes include hydrogenated oils, in
particular hydrogenated vegetable oils such as hydrogenated palm
kernel oil and coconut oil. Such cocoa butter or cocoa butter
substitute provides good texture and is particularly useful when
forming dairy like pieces of the foodstuff. One purpose of the
cocoa butter/cocoa butter substitute is in the forming of moulded
pieces after the mould is cooled.
[0023] The amount of the cocoa butter or cocoa butter substitute is
preferably in the range of from 20-50% (weight by weight on a dry
matter basis).
[0024] The foodstuff may also comprise a yogurt component. Such a
yogurt component includes fresh or pasteurized yogurt as well as,
yogurt powder. The yogurt component is particularly added to
increase the flavor of the foodstuff. The amount of yogurt
component is preferably in the range of 1-15% (weight by weight on
a dry matter basis).
[0025] In addition, one or more further ingredients may be included
in the foodstuff. Examples of further ingredients may include an
emulsifier, for example lecithin.(0.1-2.0% weight/weight on a dry
matter basis), salt (0.1-2% weight by weight on a .dry matter
basis), a flavor such as milk flavor (0.01-0.5% weight by weight on
a dry matter basis) and/or a milk-based component, such as casein
or dried milk powder.
[0026] The colostrum to be used according to the present invention
is not limiting. It is preferably a highly specified colostrum and
is preferably derived from bovine animals. However, the animal or
origin is not limiting and other sources of colostrum include ovine
or caprine sources. It may be preferable to remove or reduce some
content of colostrum, such as the lactose content. Alternatively, a
fraction of colostrum such as a fraction containing growth factors
and/or immune components may be used. Suitable sources of colostrum
include colostrum from New Live Foods, New Zealand Milk Products
(sold as Immulac--a bovine colostrum powder with 15% IgG) or from
NorthField (such as intact.TM., having at least 15% IgG). In terms
of safety, cows milk protein products have GRAS (Generally Regarded
As Safe) status.
[0027] The present invention also encompasses fractions of
colostrum which contain colostrum derived growth factors, as well
as manipulated colostrum which may have an altered immunoglobulin
concentration. The colostrum may be in any form, such as liquid,
powdered and/or freeze-dried. The amount of colostrum (or fraction)
may be in the range of 1-40% (weight by weight on a dry matter
basis), as a part of the total composition or of the part of the
composition comprising the colostrum.
[0028] A recommended dose of colostrum (or fraction) is
approximately 0.03-0.5g/kg bodyweight per day (on a dry matter
basis).
[0029] The probiotic microorganism according to the present
invention is any which beneficially affects a host by improving its
intestinal microbial balance. There may be one or more probiotic
microorganisms present in the foodstuff. Suitable probiotic
microorganisms include a considerable number of genuses, in
particular Lactobacillus (such as murinus, ruminus, rhamnosis,
acidophilus, reuteri or mucosae), Bifidobacterium, Bacterioides,
Aostridium, Fusobacterium, Melissococcus, Propionibacterium,
Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus,
Peptostrepococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Micrococcus, Leuconostoc,
Weisella, Aerococcus, Oenococcus and Eubacterium.
[0030] In particular, preferred probiotic microorganisms include
one or more of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus mucosae,
Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus ruminus, Lactobacillus
reuteri, Bifidobacterium species and Bacillus subtilis. In
particular, the probiotic may be the Lactobacillus deposited under
the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit
of Microorganisms for the purposes of Patent Procedure, accession
number NCIMB 41117, on 10 Oct. 2001.
[0031] The probiotic is preferably present at a level of from
10.sup.2 or 10.sup.3to 10.sup.15 cfu/g (colony forming units) per
gram of the total composition or of the part of the composition
comprising the probiotic. This concentration of cells provides a
suitable concentration for successful colonization of the
gastrointestinal tract and providing the desired health benefit to
the animal. Additional probiotics (one or more) may be present,
preferably at the same concentration levels (10.sup.2,
10.sup.3-10.sup.15 cfu/g of the total composition).
[0032] A recommended dose of probiotic is approximately
1.times.10.sup.8-1.times.10.sup.11 cfU per day.
[0033] The probiotic microorganism may be in any form, for example
in a powdered dry form or in spore form (for the microorganisms
which form spores). In addition, the probiotic microorganism may
have undergone processing in order for it to increase its survival
in any processing. Accordingly, the microorganism may be coated or
encapsulated in a polysaccharide, fat, starch, protein or in a
sugar matrix. It may be preferable to avoid the probiotic being in
contact with flour as flour contains enzymes which may adversely
affect the viability of the probiotic. Standard encapsulation
techniques known in the art can-be used, and for example, as
discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,591 (which is incorporated by
reference herein).
[0034] The prebiotic component of the foodstuff is not limiting. It
includes oligosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, xylose,
galactose, lactose, mannose, arabinose, D-fucose, L-fucose,
rhamnose, Actilight, Biotose, Palatinose, IMO,. cellobiose,
gentiobiose, laevan, maltodextrin, maltose, melibiose, raffinose,
lactose, panorich, melezitose, raftiline, raftilose, stachyose,
sucrose, tagatose, xylan, fructooligosaccharide (FOS),
galactooligosaccharide (GOS), soy oligosaccharide, lactosucrose,
maltooligosaccharide, xylooligosaccharide, inulin and fractionated
inulin as well as one or more dietary fiber components such as
coconut (including coconut endosperm fibber), beet pulp (such as
sugarbeet pulp), chicory (including chicory pulp), oat bran
concentrate, rice bran, carob bean, gum talhar and guar gum.
[0035] Oligosaccharides are naturally occurring compounds which can
be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables such as bananas,
tomatoes, artichokes, onions, garlic and cereals (e.g. wheat and
barley). There are three varieties of FOS: 1-ketose, nystose and
B-fructofuranosylnystose. While FOS can be extracted from plants
such as those mentioned above, they can also be formed artificially
by adding one, two or three fructose units to a sucrose molecule by
a B-(2-1)-glycocosidic linkage of the fructose unit(s) to the
fructose unit of sucrose. Similar artificial linking can be used to
synthesize GOS and other oligosaccharides. FOS and GOS are
synthetically made and sold. A single or multiple oligosaccharide
may be used. One or more may be from a natural source or may be
synthetic.
[0036] A single or multiple dietary fiber component may be used. A
single or multiple dietary fiber component may be used in
combination with a single or multiple oligosaccharide.
[0037] The form of the prebiotic according to the present invention
is not limiting. It may be fresh or in any other form such as
processed, heated or otherwise enzymatically treated.
[0038] The level of prebiotic incorporated into a foodstuff is not
limiting. Preferably, the fiber component is present in the
foodstuff at a level from approximately 0.15-8% on a dry matter
basis, preferably 0.15-5% on a dry matter basis as measured by the
Englyst method (as defined in English H N and Cumming J H (1984),
Simplified Method for the Measurement of Total Non-Starch
Polysaccharides by Gas Liquid Chromatography of Constituent Sugars
as Alditol Acetates., Analyst. 109,937-942, and incorporated herein
by reference). The levels, as calculated by this method, may go
from 0.15% up to 5%, 6%, 7% or 8%. The lower limit may be from
1.5%, 2% or 3%. A description of the Englyst method is described in
Appendix 1. The level of prebiotic may be of the total composition
or of the part of the composition comprising the prebiotic.
[0039] The foodstuffs according to the present invention may be in
different formats and thus the levels of colostrum, probiotic and
prebiotic may well differ according to the particular format.
[0040] For example, one form of foodstuff according to the present
invention is a highly palatable dairy treat. The product
incorporates colostrum, a prebiotic and a probiotic in a palatable
delivery format. The fat-based dairy matrix is a format with low
temperature processing and low. water activity, optionally with
encapsulation. These elements relate to maximizing the viability of
the active components probiotic and colostrum. This dairy matrix
can be produced as individual supplement pieces or in a larger
format, more akin to a chocolate bar with delineated sections.
Individual sections or pieces can then be broken off and
administered to individual animals. Where the product is produced
in individual supplement pieces, they can be (but are not
necessarily) flow wrapped. A number of flow wrapped pieces (for
example 15-25) can be placed in bottles and sealed. The bottle can
have an oxygen scavenger and can be inducted sealed in order to
increase the shelf life of the product. The colostrum, prebiotic
and probiotic may be mixed in to any product, infused into the
product or applied to the outside. Any one or more of the
colostrum, prebiotic or probiotic may be in any one or more
position as part of the product.
[0041] According to the present invention, a fat-based dairy matrix
comprises at least 20% fat, preferably at least 30% fat. The fat
may be dairy derived or from alternative non-dairy sources (such as
vegetable fat).
[0042] The fat-based dairy matrix may comprise cheese or have a
cheese flavor.
[0043] Suitable components.(as a non-limiting example) and ranges
for dairy treats with a fat-based dairy matrix are as follows:
1 Component % wt/wt (dry matter basis) Cocoa butter or cocoa butter
substitute 20-40 Sugar 30-50 Colostrum (or fraction) 5-30 Prebiotic
1-5 Probiotic 0.1-15 emulsifier 0.1-2 salt 0.1-2 flavor (e.g. milk
flavor) 0.01-5 yogurt powder 1-15
[0044] Since the format of the foodstuff may differ, the amount of
individual components may vary to quite some degree. For example, a
dairy treat with a fat-based dairy matrix may comprise 100% (or
close to 100%) of the components above. Alternatively, the fat
based dairy matrix of these components may be used as part of
another format such as a center filling for a dry kibble. Clearly
in this foodstuff format, the amount of the ingredients above will
be a much smaller proportion of the total foodstuff (now a
kibble).
[0045] An example of an alternative foodstuff according to the
first aspect of the present invention is in the form of a dry
biscuit-like kibble or cereal product. Each of the colostrum,
probiotic and prebiotic may be incorporated into the product. The
product may include a coating and/or filling. The coating and/or
filling may contain one or more of the colostrum and/or the
probiotic component. The matrix of the dried kibble or cereal
product or the coating or the filling may contain the prebiotic
component. Center filled foodstuffs can be produced in accordance
with standard procedures such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,922,353, U.S. Pat. No. 3,916,029, EP 0088574, U.S. Pat. No.
3,764,715, U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,671 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,477
(each of which is herein incorporated by reference). One example of
a center filled product according to the present invention is
co-extrusion of a gelatinized starch matrix and a soft center
component comprising colostrum. The end result is a small
snack-like foodstuff having a soft center which soft center
contains colostrum. The probiotic microorganism may be included in
the soft center together with the colostrum or may alternatively be
incorporated in the kibble or, alternatively, applied to the
outside of the kibble.
[0046] As an alternative, the soft center may comprise a prebiotic,
with the colostrum and/or probiotic being incorporated in the
kibble matrix or applied to the outside thereof. This design may be
preferred when the probiotic or colostrum may not survive to the
manufacturing processes for the soft center or kibble matrix.
[0047] Application of the probiotic and/or the colostrum to the
outside of the matrix or other format can be carried out in a
number of procedures including general coating and/or spraying. The
probiotic microorganism and/or colostrum may be mixed with one or
more other components when coated or sprayed to the outside of the
matrix. For example, the probiotic microorganism and/or colostrum
may be encapsulated or included in a lipid or protein coating.
[0048] Examples of dried, semi-moist and moist products are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,477 (which is herein incorporated
by reference) and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,797 (which is herein
incorporated by reference). The present invention also provides
foodstuffs according to the first aspect of the invention wherein
the colostrum, probiotic and prebiotic are present when the
foodstuffs are combined and eaten together. For example, the
foodstuffs may comprise two or more kibble-like components of
different compositions. At least one of the kibble-like biscuits
comprises colostrum and at least an alternate kibble-like biscuit
comprises a probiotic. Each of the kibbles may include the
prebiotic component. In this foodstuff, the animal is administered
each of the three components by two or more alternative sources. In
addition, the colostrum or the probiotic component can be added as
an alternative component to the foodstuff. For example, a
kibble-like biscuit may be provided which comprises a probiotic.
Such a kibble can be mixed with colostrum or prebiotic can be added
in a liquid, semi-liquid or powdered format, before administration
to an animal.
[0049] Alternatively a foodstuff, such as a kibble, which contains
a prebiotic can have the colostrum and/or the probiotic added to it
in the form of an oil, aqueous liquid or powdered topping. If the
foodstuff does not contain a prebiotic, then this can also be added
separately. A powder to be added can be in the form of a paper
`stick` (like sugar or instant coffee) suitably packaged to provide
shelf life. The ingredients can optionally be encapsulated or
coated individually, or together. Encapsulation of the ingredients
permits them to travel through the alimentary canal before being
subject to gut enzymes and thus may provide for a more effective
and/or longer lasting result. A suitable coating is an enteric
coating. Alternatively, the kibble-like biscuit may be center
filled with a colostrum-based product and the probiotic may be
added as a freeze-dried component at the point of administration to
the animal.
[0050] Yet a further format of the foodstuff provides the
components in a powder mix. The powder mix can be added to an
animal's additional food or liquid intake. The additional food may
be any, such as dry kibbles, moist or, semi-moist food, yogurt,
sticky snacks or treats, etc. The liquid to which the powder may be
added, includes water, soup, milk, yogurt-based drinks, milk-based
drinks including chocolate or malt drinks, fruit juices, cordials,
etc.
[0051] When added to the food (foodstuff or liquid) the powder can
be easily consumed by the animal. The powder mix can be provided in
a paper "stick" packaging or in any other manner. For example, the
powder may be provided in the roof or lid of a yogurt pot or liquid
container. Suitable ranges and components for such a powder mix are
as follows, although are not limiting:
2 Component % wt/wt (dry matter basis) Colostrum 10-40 probiotic
(e.g. encapsulated) 1-10 carrying agent 5-35 milk powder (e.g.
skimmed) 20-60 Prebiotic 2-20
[0052] The powder may contain one or more of the probiotic,
prebiotic or colostrum ingredients. Preferably, it contains all
three. In the mix, there may be one or more carrier materials
(carrying agent) present, for example maltodextrin. The carrier is
preferably dissolvable in an aqueous or fat medium. The mix may
further, or alternatively, comprise one or more "free-flow" agents,
such as titanium dioxide. The powder may comprise other
ingredients. The powder is preferably a light color, such as
white.
[0053] Alternatively, the powder may be incorporated into a
foodstuff format. For example, the powder may be in the center of a
kibble, in the center of a snack or treat, such as with an edible
coating. Such a coating may be sugar-based and/or chocolate based.
The typical proportion of any format contains around 0.1 to 10%
weight by weight (on a dry matter basis) of the probiotic.
[0054] As yet a further foodstuff format, the colostrum, probiotic
and prebiotic may be present as part of a liquid, such as water, a
milk based drink, yogurt based drink, soup, juice, etc. The
probiotic is preferably part of such a liquid in an oil-based layer
which sits separately. The total liquid content, when shaken, will
mix, before administration.
[0055] A second aspect of the present invention provides a
foodstuff according to the first aspect, for use in maintaining or
improving the gastrointestinal health of an animal. All three
components contribute to the functional fact of the foodstuff and
all three in combination provide a particularly beneficial effect
to the gastrointestinal health of the animal. In particular, the
ingredients provide the following benefits:
[0056] colostrum is a gentle ingredient that helps to ensure that a
newborn puppy/kitten/baby's immune system has a healthy start,
protecting them at this delicate time
[0057] helps to ensure the development of a healthy digestive
system optimizing nutrient uptake
[0058] helps to prevent diarrhea and reduce the vulnerability of
the animal to further episodes
[0059] helps to protect against infection
[0060] maintains intestinal/digestive health
[0061] helps to improve digestion.
[0062] All features of the first aspect of the invention also apply
to the second aspect.
[0063] A third aspect of the invention provides a method of
maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health of an animal,
the method comprising administering to the animal a foodstuff
according to the first aspect of the invention.
[0064] All preferred features of the first and second aspect also
apply to the third. The method according to the first aspect of the
invention is particularly relevant to puppies and kittens.
[0065] A fourth aspect of the present invention, provides the use
of colostrum, a probiotic and a prebiotic in the manufacture of a
foodstuff for maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health
of an animal.
[0066] All preferred features of the first to third aspects of the
invention, also apply to the fourth.
[0067] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a process for
producing a foodstuff according to the first and second aspects of
the invention, the process comprising mixing the raw materials
optionally shaping into pieces (before or after any heating),
optionally heating and presenting as a foodstuff.
[0068] The precise processing of foodstuffs may depend on the form
of foodstuff.
[0069] Where no heating or cooking of the ingredients is required,
the process may simply comprise mixing the raw materials for the
product such as in a suitable mixer. The mixture is then
spooned/scraped into moulds allowed to cool and set. The pieces are
then demoulded and are ready to be packed. The bioactive components
of colostrum successfully survive this process and shelf-life
tests. It is preferred to store the finished product at a
temperature of below 30.degree. C. to enhance shelf life.
[0070] Foodstuffs which include a type of cereal, typically require
a heating/cooking step. In general, the specific processes, such as
mixing, grinding, cooking, heating, extruding, or shell formation,
used to make the foodstuffs are well known in the industry. Any
known method can be used to form a liquid or semi-moist center
core, to form the outer shell material, to load the materials into
an extruder and to co-extrude the outer and inner materials. The
dried kibble-like material is usually shaped by extrusion to form
pellets or kibbles. Extrusion preferably occurs at a pressure of
20-1000 psig and a temperature of 90-165.degree. C.
[0071] The foodstuffs of the present invention, in differing
formats, have been demonstrated to provide the probiotic in a
viable, shelf-stable form.
[0072] The viability of the probiotic, in a format of a fat-based
dairy matrix (such as described in Example 1) was tested. Products
were stored at room temperature (in the range of 19-24.degree. C.)
and samples were tested for the viability of probiotic over a 10
month period. The viability of the probiotic was excellent, with
only 1 log order loss over 10 months. This level of loss is within
the errors of each viability measurement.
[0073] The viability of probiotic was also tested when incorporated
onto dry pet food kibble. The probiotic was coated onto the kibble
in a coating base of vegetable oil and tallow. Products were stored
at room temperature (in the range 19-24.degree. C.) and samples
were tested for the viability of probiotic over 11 months.
Viability of the probiotic was, again, excellent, with no losses
over 11 months.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0074] The present invention is further described with reference to
the following drawings in which:
[0075] FIGS. 1a and 1b show puppy colostrum supplement pieces in
two formats
[0076] FIG. 2 is a general view of a kibble foodstuff of the
present invention
[0077] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view along the section line
(X-X) of FIG. 2 of a foodstuff of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0078] The dual texture kibble is represented as 1 in FIGS. 2 and
3. In FIG. 3, the kibble has an outer shell 2. The outer shell
(approximately 70% w/w) consists of cereals, corn, soya meal, rice
and meat meal. It has a soft center 3 which comprises a prebiotic
and a coating 4 which comprises a probiotic and colostrum. The soft
center (30% w/w) consists of fats and cereals, flour, tallow and
blood plasma.
[0079] The present invention is also described with reference to
the following examples:
EXAMPLE 1
[0080] Dairy Treat
[0081] A highly palatable dairy treat was produced. The recipe is
as set out below:
3 Recipe % wt/wt (dry matter Ingredient basis) hydrogenated
vegetable fat 30 sucrose 43 colostrum 15 prebiotic 3 probiotic 2
emulsifier and salt 1.6 flavor 0.4 yogurt powder 5 total 100
[0082] The dual texture kibble is represented as 1 in FIGS. 2 and
3. In FIG. 3, the kibble has an outer shell 2. The outer shell
(approximately 70% w/w) consists of cereals, corn, soya meal, rice
and meat meal. It has a soft center 3 which comprises a prebiotic
and a coating 4 which comprises a probiotic and colostrum. The soft
center (30% w/w) consists of fats and cereals, flour, tallow and
blood plasma.
[0083] The probiotic was present at a concentration of,
approximately 3.times.10.sup.10 cfu/g.
[0084] The product was obtained by mixing the raw materials. The
mixture was then spooned/scraped into moulds and placed in a fridge
to set. The pieces were then demoulded.
[0085] The low water activity matrix was developed using a low heat
process to ensure that the active components of colostrum were
protected during production and over shelf-life. Viability of this
active ingredient on incorporation into the product was
confirmed.
[0086] The dairy treat obtained can be seen in FIG. 1.
[0087] The product is suitable for puppies and kittens from two
months old through adulthood.
EXAMPLE 2
[0088] Feeding Trial of Dairy Treat
[0089] A trial was conducted on 60 puppies. 30 of the puppies were
fed a standard full and complete diet. An additional 30 puppies
were fed the same diet and were also fed a dairy treat as described
in Example 1 at a level of approximately 0.5 g/kg bodyweight per
day (a Feeding Guide for other dogs is given in Appendix 2).
[0090] All puppies were-fed the basic complete diet for 2 days.
Each defecation of the puppy was scored and recorded. After the 2
day wash-out period, the 30 test puppies were fed the dairy treat
for a period of 10 days. The control puppies (30 in number) were
continued on the complete and balanced diet for 10 days.
[0091] The results showed a significant improvement in feces score
for the puppies which were fed the dairy treat.
EXAMPLE 3
[0092] Dual Textured Foodstuff
[0093] A dual texture kibble pet foodstuff according to the present
invention was made with a shell composed of the ingredients shown
in Table 1 and filled with the ingredients shown in Table 2. An
outer coating was sprayed onto the shell, the content of which is
shown in Table 3.
4 TABLE 1 Ingredient wt % Chix w BHA/BHT 29.00 Corn whole, #2
Yellow 39.18 Rice Brewers 17.00 Soybean Meal 44% 13.00 Salt,
iodized 0.40 Vitamins and Minerals 0.80 Antioxidant 0.02 Iron Oxide
Colorant 0.60
[0094]
5 TABLE 2 Ingredient wt % Hydrogenated vegetable fat 36.2 Sucrose
45.5 Colostrum 15 Inulin 3 Emulsifier 0.3
[0095]
6 TABLE 3 Ingredient wt % L. acidophilus (freeze-dried) 0.5
Sunflower oil 95.5
[0096] The concentration of the L.acidophilus used was
approximately 10.sup.10 cfu/g. The approximate size of each piece
is 15 mm.times.10 mm.times.5 mm. The ratio (w/w) of
shell:centre:coating was 3:1:0.2.
[0097] Appendix 1
[0098] The Englyst method, from Englyst and Cummings (Supra).
[0099] Experimental Apparatus
[0100] The fractionation procedure was carried out in 50-60 ml
screw-topped glass centrifuge tubes as previously described.
Gas-liquid chromatography was performed with a Pye Unicam Series
204 chromatograph, fitted with a flame-ionization detector. A 2.1
m.times.2 mm i.d. glass column packed with Supelcoport (100-200
mesh) coated with 3% SP 2330 was used. The column temperature was
215.degree. C. (isothermal) and the injector and detector
temperatures were 250.degree. C. The carrier gas (nitrogen)
flow-rate was 20 ml min-.sup.1.
[0101] Reagents
[0102] High purity certified reagents were used for all analyses.
Enzyme preparations were as follows: hog pancreatic
.alpha.-amylase, E.C.3.2.1.1. (Sigma, Cat. No. A4268); pullulanase,
E.C.3.2.1.41. (Boehringer, Cat. No. 108944).
[0103] Method
[0104] The sequence of steps in the procedure is summarized
below.
[0105] Pre-Treatment of Sample
[0106] As far as possible, foods should be analyzed without any
pre-treatment. If there are problems in taking a representative
sample, foods with a low water content can be ball milled for 2-3
minutes, and those with a higher water content homogenized, or
freeze-dried and ball milled.
[0107] Sample Mass
[0108] Accurately weigh between 50 and 1,000 mg of sample,
containing not more than 150 mg of starch and 50 mg of NSP, into a
50-60 ml screw-top centrifuge tube and add a stirrer.
[0109] Fat Extraction and Drying
[0110] Samples with dry matter between 90 and 100% and with less
than 203% of fat can be analysed directly. Otherwise, add 40 ml of
acetone, mix. for 30. minutes by using a magnetic stirrer,
centrifuge and remove by aspiration as much of the supernatant as
possible without disturbing the residue. Place the tubes in a water
bath at 65.degree. C. on a magnetic stirrer hot plate and mix the
residue for a few minutes until it appears to be dry. The beaker
can be covered and the acetone vapor removed by water pump.
[0111] Dispersion of the Starch
[0112] Add 2 ml of DMSO, cap the tube and heat it in a boiling
water bath for 1 hour, timed from when re-boiling commences,
stirring continuously. Then, without cooling, add 8 ml of 0.1M
sodium acetate buffer pH5.2, at 50.degree. C. and vortex mix
immediately. 1
[0113] Procedure for the analysis of non-starch polysaccharides
(NSP).
[0114] Enzyme Hydrolysis of the Starch
[0115] Cool the tube to 45.degree. C. and immediately add 0.1 ml of
an enzyme solution containing 5,000 units of cc-amylase and 5 units
of pullulanase per ml of acetate buffer at pH 5.2. Incubate the
samples at 45.degree. C. for 16-18 hours, preferably mixing
continuously as described previously.
[0116] Following the enzyme treatment, add 40 ml of absolute
ethanol, mix well and leave to stand for 1 hour at room
temperature. Centrifuge for 10 minutes or until a clear supernatant
liquid is obtained. Removed by aspiration as much of the
supernatant liquid as possible, without disturbing the residue, and
discard it. Wash the residue twice with 50 ml of 85% ethanol by
mixing to form a suspension, centrifuging until clear and removing
the supernatant liquid as before. Add 40 ml of acetone to the
washed residue, stir for 5 minutes and then centrifuge. Remove the
supernatant liquid by aspiration and dry the residue as described
under Fat extraction and drying.
[0117] Acid Hydrolysis of the Residue from Enzymatic Digestion
[0118] Disperse the dried-residue in 1 ml of 12M sulphuric acid,
using a vortex mixer. Leave at 35.degree. C. for 1 hour to
solubilize the cellulose, then rapidly add 11 ml of water and
mix.
[0119] Heat the solution-in a boiling water bath for 2 hours from
re-boiling, stirring continuously. Cool it to room temperature by
placing the tube in water, add 2 ml of internal standard (2 mg of
allose per ml of saturated benzoic acid solution) and mix the
contents of the tube. Use 1 ml of the hydrolysate for the
preparation of alditol acetates and keep the remainder for the
determination of uronic acids.
[0120] Uronic Acids
[0121] The method used is a modification of the method of Scott.
Mix 0.3 ml of hydrolysate (diluted, if necessary, so that it
contains between 25 and 100 .mu.g of uronic acids per ml) with 0.3
ml of a mixtures of sodium chloride-boric acid solution (prepared
by adding 2 g of sodium chloride and 3 g of boric acid to 100 ml of
water) Add 5 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid and vortex mix, then
place the tube in a heating block at 70.degree. C. Leave the tube
and contents for 40 minutes and then cool them to room temperature
by placing in water. When cool, add 0.2 ml of 3.5-dimethylphenol
solution (0.1 g of (CH.sub.3).sub.2--C.sub.6H.sub.3OH in 100 ml of
glacial acetic acid) and mix immediately. Between 10 and 15 minutes
later read the absorbance at 400 and 450 nm in a spectrophotometer
against a water reference. Subtract the reading at 400 nm from that
at 450 nm for each sample and plot the difference obtained for
glucuronic acid standards (over the range 25-125.mu.f ml-.sup.1).
Read the sample concentrations from the graph.
[0122] Preparation of Alditol Acetates
[0123] To 1 ml of hydrolysate add 0.2 ml of 12M ammonia solution
and 5 .mu.l of octan-2-ol. Test that the solution is alkaline, and
then add 0.1 ml of a freshly prepared solution of 100 mg of sodium
tetrahydroborate (III) (sodium borohydride) per ml of 3M ammonia
solution. Mix, leave the mixture for 1 hour at 40.degree. C. and
add 0.1 ml of glacial acetic acid. Next, to 0.2 ml of the acidified
solution add 0.3 ml of N-methylimidazole and 2 ml of acetic
anhydride, and mix. Leave it for 10 minutes at 20.degree. C. (room
temperature), add 5 ml of water, mix, and when cooled add 1 ml of
dichloromethane, agitate the contents vigorously on a vortex mixer
and centrifuge for a few minutes to separate the mixture into two
phases. Remove the bulk of the upper phase by aspiration and
discard it, then transfer the lower phase to a small vial, seal and
store it at -20.degree. C. Use 1-2 .mu.l for injection on to the
chromatograph.
[0124] Alternative Preparative of Alditol Acetates
[0125] When dichloromethane is used as a solvent for the alditol
acetates it has been observed in a number of laboratories without
automatic GLC injection facilities that the injection technique is
critical to the obtaining of reproducible results. A more robust
method can be obtained if dichloromethane is replaced with ethyl
acetate as a solvent for alditol acetates. The procedure is as
follows:
[0126] To 1 ml of hydrolysate add 0.2 ml of .12M ammonia solution
and 5 .mu.l of octan-2-ol. Test that the solution is alkaline, then
add 0. 1 ml of a freshly prepared solution of 100 mg of sodium
tetrahydroborate (III) per ml of 3M ammonia solution. Mix, leave
the mixture for 1 hour at 40.degree. C. and add 0.1 ml of glacial
acetic acid. To 0.5 ml of the acidified solution add 0.5 ml of
N-methylimidazole, 5 ml of acetic anhydride and mix. Leave for. 10
minutes at 20.degree. C. (room temperature), then add 0.6 ml of
ethanol and mix. After 5 minutes add 5 ml of water, place in a
water bath at room temperature, add 5 ml of 7.5M KOH and a few
minutes later a further 5 ml of 7.5M KOH. Mix by inverting and
leave to separate into two phases. Transfer the top phase to a
small vial and store at +5.degree. C. Use 1-2 .mu.l for injection
on the chromatograph.
[0127] Appendix 2
[0128] Feeding Guide:
7 Feeding Guide (piece per day) 2 3-4 5-6 7-9 10-18 19-21 BW kg mon
mon mon mon mon mon Toy <5 1 1 1 2 2 2 Small 5 to 10 2 3 3 4 4 4
Medium 10 to 25 3 4 5 6 7 7 Large 25 to 50 5 7 7 8 8 8 Giant >50
5 7 8 8 8 8 mon = months
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0129] It is to be understood that, while the invention has been
described in conjunction with the detailed description. thereof,
the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit
the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and
modifications of the invention are within the scope of the claims
set forth below.
* * * * *